Professional Scottish Genealogy & Family History Research

Background

My Genealogy Story

I am originally from Fife, the county where my father’s ancestors lived and worked, employed in the weaving and farming industries. I continued my education at Aberdeen and Glasgow Caledonian universities. After many years working and living in England we moved back to Perthshire and now live only a few miles from the estate where my grandfather worked as a gamekeeper in the 1930s.

My First Family Tree

One of my earliest memories is of my Grandmother telling stories of her life that began in rural Aberdeenshire at the turn of the Twentieth century. It kindled a passion that grew over the years as I researched our own family.

A journey that has gone beyond the boundaries of Scotland as family moved for work or in search or an improved standard of living in Canada, USA, Africa and Australasia.

Family History Skills

Through my own research I am familiar with a wide range of resources for Scotland, England and beyond. Each commission brings new and exciting challenges. Some examples of the research I have undertaken includes tracing the history of a Quaker family from Surrey to Glasgow; locating records for Prisoner of War camps and tracing living descendants in Zimbabwe.

I have a post-graduate diploma in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies from Strathclyde University. I am also committed to continual professional development and I am a member of a number of Local History and Genealogy Societies and of the Scottish Genealogy Network.

I am a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and adhere to the APG Code of Ethics.

From my initial scientific degree I learned to apply a methodical and analytical approach to any task. My business career in office management and accounts added complementary skills in gathering, analysing and presenting facts in a clear and accurate manner.

I also volunteer in the collections department at the Black Watch Museum in Perth. Based at Balhousie Castle the museum is home to a fantastic collection reflecting the significance of both the regiment within a historical context and within the community.